Kevin Drainville, 46, of 90 Merrimac Ave, was arrested on Tuesday, after Springfield police raided his residence and discovered large amounts of marijuana. He is being charged with trafficking in marijuana.
(Springfield Police Department)

SPRINGFIELD — A Springfield man was arrested and 117 pounds of marijuana was seized on Tuesday after police busted a large grow operation located in the city's Liberty Heights neighborhood.

Kevin Drainville, 46, of 90 Merrimac Ave, was taken into custody on Tuesday, after detectives with the Springfield police narcotics unit raided his apartment and discovered large amounts of marijuana.

Police say an "extensive investigation" led to the discovery of Drainville's "very sophisticated" grow operation, and his arrest.

During the investigation, narcotics officers spotted 18 large marijuana plants growing over his stockade fence. Police say another large indicator of the grow was the "strong odor" of marijuana, which was evident both to the detectives and to "all of" Drainville's neighbors.

After finding evidence of the grow, Springfield detectives received a search warrant for Drainville's apartment, and raided it at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

During the raid, police seized the 18 outdoor plants, as well as a number of smaller plants that were located in an indoor grow center in Drainville's cellar. Police say Drainville was using hydro lights and feeding devices to grow the indoor plants.

In addition to the plants, police seized $10,000 in cash that had been hidden in a bathroom hamper, as well as a large variety of types of ammunition – including rounds for handguns, rifles, and shotguns.

Police are calling Drainville a "suspected dealer," and have charged him with trafficking in marijuana, possession of a high capacity feeding device, and possession of ammunition.